If there’s one item that gets the most use throughout the summer months, it’s unquestionably a pair of denim shorts. The ultimate weekend staple, denim shorts are our go-to summer saviors—most often thrown on with a striped tee and sandals for an easy, effortless daytime look. But finding a pair of great-fitting and flattering denim shorts is not always an easy feat. Like most denim, it takes trial and error to procure a pair you feel comfortable in that suits your style and body type. Luckily we did some digging and discovered the most flattering silhouettes guaranteed to suit every taste. Plus, we turned to our favorite fashion muses for endless inspiration on how to keep them looking fresh and stylish for every summer occasion. Scroll below for our favorite denim short outfits.
Sometimes the simplest outfit formulas work best. Wear your casual mid-rise denim shorts with an easy loose-fitting sleeveless white shirt, and finish the look with a pop of red—a cool bandana around your neck or tied in your hair looks unquestionably chic.
A flattering mid- to high-rise waist with a lightly frayed hem give these shorts a cool, lived-in look.
A pop of red is always a great complement to denim.
A crisp white sleeveless shirt never fails to look chic with denim shorts.
A neutral tote will ground your look.
Elegant pearls and sophisticated tweed add a luxe touch to distressed denim shorts.
Frayed shorts exude a laid-back, lived-in look.
The easiest way to add an elegant touch to your denim shorts outfit.
Tweed jackets continue to be a fashion-girl favorite.
Elevate your look with a luxe woven leather handbag.
Crisp white denim shorts pair beautifully with classic nautical stripes. Perfect for summer weekends.
Tuck all your summer tops into a cool high-waisted pair.
From day to night in style.
A favorite amongst the Insta set.
Guaranteed you'll be wearing these chic shades all summer.
Denim paper-bag shorts that tie at the waist add interest to your ensemble and a flattering silhouette. Pair with a crisp white top and combat boots for a summer look with edge.
A ribbed texture makes every top look more expensive.
Add a cool-girl edge to your ensembles with white Dr. Martens.
Distressed denim looks altogether chic when paired with a longline blazer (preferably in white), a neutral tee, and luxurious accessories.
The perfect weekend shorts.
A tan belt adds polish to frayed denim.
Offset the distressed denim with this sophisticated white blazer.
Chic for day and night.
Wear clean denim with pops of bright, bold color this summer.
These have a comfortable stretch to them.
Now here's how to make a summer statement.
A warm-weather must.
Because who wants boring shoes?
Complete your outfit with pretty pink frames.
Add a romantic touch to your long shorts with a pretty milkmaid style blouse.
Nail this season's bermuda shorts trend with these cool-girl Agolde pair.
So pretty.
These will work with everything in your closet.
A timeless oversize button-down adds a chic French-girl touch to light-wash denim shorts. Tie your look together with a black leather belt.
These have a great flattering fit.
A sophisticated addition.
Easy and effortless.
The easiest way to add polish to denim shorts is with a chic blazer and sophisticated sandals.
Trendy meets comfy.
This will take you into fall in style.
You can never have too many.
They're on sale, friends!
Voluminous sleeves are trending this season and they happen to look seriously cool with a pair of high-waisted denim shorts.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Up next, shorts are the new skirts—see the proof and shop my favorite pairs.